Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh – Police have arrested the driver of the luxury sleeper bus that burst into flames in Kurnool, claiming 20 lives in a horrific accident last Friday. The driver, identified as Miriyala Lakshmaiah, is alleged to have forged educational certificates to illegally obtain a heavy vehicle driving license.
According to investigators, Lakshmaiah had only studied up to Class 5 but managed to acquire a heavy vehicle license using fake Class 10 documents, as reported by NDTV. Under existing transport regulations, a person must have completed at least Class 8 to qualify for a transport vehicle license. However, officials admit that such norms are frequently violated, with individuals submitting counterfeit educational credentials to secure licenses unlawfully.
The Tragic Incident
The accident occurred when the private sleeper bus, carrying 41 passengers, collided with a motorcycle near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district. The impact triggered a fire that engulfed the vehicle within minutes, leaving it completely gutted.
District Collector Dr. A. Siri, Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil, and Kurnool Municipal Commissioner P. Vishwanath immediately rushed to the scene to oversee rescue and recovery operations.
Eyewitness videos circulating on social media show the bus consumed by flames within moments of the collision. “The bus door got jammed due to an electrical short circuit, trapping passengers inside,” said Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen. “By the time emergency teams arrived, the vehicle was already a ball of fire.”
Casualties and Survivors
A total of 20 passengers, including two children, perished in the inferno. Nineteen passengers, along with two drivers, managed to escape with injuries. Police confirmed that most survivors were between 25 and 35 years old.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the licensing irregularities and the safety compliance of the private travel company operating the ill-fated vehicle. Officials have vowed to take strict action against those responsible for lapses that contributed to the tragedy.
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